HOW TO PAY FOR COLLEGE

Prepping for college takes hours of SATs and mountains of college apps. It's about time for simple, right? Agreed. That's why TruWest is here to give you the tools to help you find the right way to pay for college, fast.

Many incoming freshmen rely on student loans to pay for the essentials, like tuition, room and board. But, did you know there are other options for covering your university stay? Check out the list to the right.

Federal vs. Private Loans

Federal student loans typically offer lower interest rates, while private student loans may offer greater payment flexibility. Private loans also provide financing if you are planning to attend an institution for technical or career training, instead of a formal college degree. Be sure to review the qualifications for each loan type as well as how you will be expected to repay before you make a final decision.

PLUS Loans

PLUS Loans are designed for graduate students to provide assistance for expenses not covered by other aid. Visit the U.S. Department of Education's Federal Student Aid website to learn about PLUS Loans.

Pell Grants

Pell Grants, unlike loans, do not have to be repaid. If you qualify, they are a fab way to cover college expenses. Access the U.S. Department of Education's Federal Student Aid website for the deets.

For Your Folks

Mom and dad can access A Parent's Guide to Financial Aid for additional details on how they can efficiently and practically pay for (or help you pay for) your college degree.

Calculators

The U.S. Department of Education offers robust tools to help you pay for and navigate college. Hop over to their Student Loan Calculators section to see what you can expect when financing your education.